Gun buyback program ends today

Published March 10. 2013 12:01AM | Updated March 10. 2013 12:03AM

The region's gun buyback program will conclude today, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Truman Street Police Substation in New London.

On Saturday, 35 handguns and 33 long guns were exchanged for $5,975 in prepaid gift cards. Over three days, 98 handguns, 94 long guns and one assault weapon have been purchased in return for $16,975 in gift cards.

Participants received gift cards of $75 for shotguns or rifles, $100 for handguns and $150 for assault weapons. Almost $20,000 was raised for the program through private donations.

Churches from New London, Old Lyme, Noank and Niantic, and Congregation Beth El, as well as the New London County Bar Association raised money.